Traditions of Japan

This private tour combines Japan’s most popular destinations— Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone—with two lesser-known towns— Takayama and Kanazawa—that showcase Japan's renowned crafts and traditional architecture. It features private cultural touring with your own guide and driver, accommodation in Japan’s best luxury hotels and ryokan (traditional inns), private airport transfers, first-class train travel, luggage transfers, and access to a wide range of unique activities that engage you in real Japanese culture.

Begin in Tokyo, the capital of contemporary culture and style in Japan. During touring with your own private guide and driver, visit Tokyo’s most interesting neighborhoods, such as Ginza, Aoyama, Shibuya and Harajuku. Experience Japanese pop culture and also tour important historical sites such as the Meiji Shrine. See striking contemporary architecture and the latest Japanese gadgets. Also, depending on your interests, visit local markets, specialty shops, or one of the city’s best museums. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional Tokyo touring according to your interests. We can also make reservations for you to dine at our favorite local restaurants and at some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world.

Next, travel to Takayama, a tradition-steeped hamlet in the shadow of the Japan Alps. Visit the morning market, tour traditional merchant houses, browse specialty shops, and explore an open-air museum featuring thatched-roof farmhouses from throughout the region. Accommodation during your stay will be at a ryokan (traditional inn).

Enjoy a private tour of the UNESCO-listed Shirakawago farming villages en route to Kanazawa, a cultural gem. One of Japan’s wealthiest cities during the feudal era, Kanazawa is known for beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, acclaimed contemporary art and folk art museums, and fresh seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan. With your expert local guide, tour former samurai and geisha neighborhoods. Explore the renowned Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan. Tour fascinating Myoryuji (the Ninja Temple), and visit museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Ishikawa Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts. Visit a pottery kiln and shops specializing in Kanazawa’s celebrated silk, lacquer and gold-leaf products. Also tour the city’s enormous central food market, and experience Kanazawa’s excellent, refined cuisine at our favorite restaurants.

Next, travel to enchanting Kyoto, Japan’s heart of culture and tradition. During touring with your private guide and driver, experience the best of this elegant city. Visit important temples and shrines. Gain access to imperial villas and private gardens such as Katsura Rikyu, Shugakuin and Saihoji (the Moss Temple). Enjoy an exclusive private tea ceremony. Stroll through a bamboo forest. Enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian lunch at a local temple. Tour traditional geisha districts such as Gion. Visit markets and food purveyors to sample Kyoto’s culinary specialties, considered the most refined in Japan. Explore antiques districts, and browse our favorite shops for exquisite ceramics, lacquerware and other crafts. One day, enjoy a private excursion to the I. M. Pei-designed Miho Museum or to ancient Nara, the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a wide range of other unique activities in Kyoto, such as an exclusive private dinner accompanied by geisha and maiko, private Zen meditation in a local temple, meetings with local craftspeople, ikebana (flower arranging) lessons, manga drawing lessons, a visit to a private machiya (traditional merchant house), hiking to temples in the hills surrounding the city, and private Japanese cooking classes.

Continue by first-class shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakone, a volcanic national park renowned for hot springs and views of nearby Mount Fuji. Stay at one of Japan’s most luxurious and renowned ryokan, where you can soak in your own private outdoor hot spring bath and enjoy a gourmet kaiseki (seasonal tasting menu) dinner. During private touring, explore Hakone’s geothermal areas, forested mountains and historical sites. Perhaps also visit one of Hakone’s best art museums.

Return to Tokyo for last-minute shopping, dining, and free time to enjoy the city.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1

Arrive Tokyo

Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights

Day 2

Tokyo

Half-day private tour

Day 3

Tokyo - Takayama

Private transfer to train station and first-class trains to Takayama. Private transfer to ryokan for 2 nights, including kaiseki dinner